Inverted Paradiddle Independence Part One

The paradiddle inversion with the “diddle in the middle” (RLLR LRRL) is my favorite of the single paradiddle inversions. Why? It sounds cool. Why else?

The inverted paradiddle can be used musically in beats, fills AND soloing. A true triple-threat. Recently, I realized that my ability to use this pattern in grooves was limited. The limitation came from my lack of independence. I was used to lining up my bass drum foot with my right hand, and beyond that I could not place my foot where I wished.

The cure? Create a method using exercises to overcome the limitation. Welcome to “Inverted Paradiddle Independence Part 1,” where we focus on eighth notes with the bass drum. Further exploration (16th notes, etc) to come.